Mouth-watering Worship!
This week I was out in San Francisco, CA appearing on a Church Communications Network simulcast sponsored by Integrity Music where Rod Arnold, vice-president of Live Events, and I were discussing worship and promoting the upcoming Worship Summit on March 7th. It was good clean fun and a real swell time, but on the way back to the airport something really exciting happened. We realized that we might have time to stop and experience one of the greatest inventions to ever come out of California. Yes, I speak of the IN-N-OUT BURGER!
The thought of a double, double and animal fries were causing two grown men to giggle with glee. After several searches on the Neverlost system of our rental car, we located the nearest site of the best fast-food chain in America. We were drunk with anticipation, darting in and out of traffic on the interstate racing against the clock so that we would not miss our flight. Of course, we were fully willing to take the risk for the sake of shakes, onion rings and fresh-cut fries!
I remember the rush of excitement as we neared the giant golden arrow pointing us toward our burger nirvana. We pulled up, jumped out of the car, walked in and stood in line on this Friday night, waiting for our turn to order, anticipating the wonder of special sauce and extra cheese. We were willing to risk an extra night on the road, to live dangerously close to the line of spousal anger and disappointment, all in the name of imbibing this fast food experience. It was so much fun!
We heard the Spanish woman from behind the counter yell, “NUMBER 14!” We ate like we had been starving on a deserted island. Mmmm….let’s just say that we were not disappointed!
We rushed to the airport and with several minutes to spare, walked down the jet way and found our seats on the plane. Then I had a thought…
I would like our times of worship at church to engender this kind of anticipation. I want for this type of excitement to accompany our gatherings as believers. Could this kind of euphoric faith change the way we engage God and each other every Sunday? I think it could transform our services.
I wonder if this anticipatory thought is what David was referencing in the song of ascents in Psalm 122 when he said, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’”; or when he declared in Psalm 34, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” Is this what Isaiah saw in his vision when he said “Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob’? These are statement of joy, excitement and expectation…in a word, faith!
Holy Spirit directed worship requires this kind of expectation. The gathering of believers should be an opportunity for wonder, anticipation and imagination; not drudgery, duty or routine. Coming together with other people who are looking forward to their experience together is a missing ingredient in many of our churches. The questions we have to ask are: do our services look the same every week? Do we follow the same routine? Can people enjoy their friends at church? Do they feel welcome? Are we giving them “food” to eat? Is there any mystery to the gathering?
I believe we need to encourage people to be curious and dare I say, suspicious that God may indeed do something unexpected in our services. He may speak to us or give us direction. He may encourage us or convict us. He may bring his peace or warn us. Anticipating the celebration of the body and blood of Christ and the presence of the Almighty in our midst is what brings life into a room full of believers and unbelievers alike. Do we look forward to the taste? Are we honestly anticipating God doing something greater than we can think or imagine? (Eph. 3:20)
IN-N-OUT BURGER was full of people from all across the bay area and the world. We actually sat by two Korean ladies who were not speaking English. Several Asians, some Hispanics, a few Europeans as well as Americans were all there, laughing, chatting, smiling, consuming…it reminded me of Revelation 4 and 5 where every tribe and language and people and nation were gathered for a worship service around the throne. I want my church to be this exciting and full of anticipation!
Just food for thought…
January 27th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Thanks, I needed that kick in the anticipator!
January 29th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
It’s so true!!! In contrast with a Superwool game, you don’t have to play well….you just surrender your heart to God, his answers are allways perfect and you don’t have to worry ’bout not catsup or too much mayonaise, just trust…He is allways and only…an awesome God!!!!!
I like this blog!!!
You take care Ps.Ross.
January 31st, 2009 at 1:18 am
Pastor Ross,
Love the analogy…food for thought. Here’s mine: New Life Church is to us as IN and OUT burgers are to Pastor Ross! I think you know why we drive so far to church now. We are always excited to be in God’s prescence, gathering togehter to see just what He is going to do. In all our praying about what the future may bring, if God called us to move, the hardest part would be leaving New Life, struggles, victories and all. Adios, go with God.
Kristine
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:40 am
I watched the HBO documentary on Paster Ted. It was amazing and sad. I don’t understand he founded your church and nothing will ever change that. He is your Joseph Smith. New Life Church is as much him as his children are. Exiling him is wrong and against all principles of forgiveness which is what God is all about. I think i’m starting to realize it’a all about the bisiness of church and not the Church itself. Hope you have a good first quarter in 2009.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 am
Clarence,
Did you notice that there wasn’t any contrasting views in the HBO documentary? There is always another side to the story. The process we’ve been through as a church hasn’t been perfect, in fact, at times its been down right messy. But rest assured forgiveness has been offered by many and decisions have been made for the sake of many including the Haggard family. Reconciliation is still happening, just not as cleanly or biblically as we all would have liked. Humans are imperfect…go figure.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Pastor Ross,
Any advise on how to get a small congregation to feel the same way? We are all there in God’s wonderful presence, but somehow it just seems that not everyone gets it and I want so much to help them feel how amazing it is to be near God. Thanks for all you do and the example that you set, we are looking forward to another fantastic conference this year!
Thanks so much for those great words! It seems so easy for us to get our worship team to feel the anticipation and excitement which for me is like going to Disneyland
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
ha ha! What an awesome post! So creative and it speaks volumes! Thank YOu
February 10th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Pastor Ross,
You already have created that excitement at New Life. We, as a congregation, are always excited in anticipation of what God is doing thru you and leading us to in worship. Thank you for being a willing vessel.
February 24th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Pastor Ross,
I was born and raised Catholic. After I moved out on my own, I attended Church every once in a while. Even when I did go, my mind usually wondered. About the time of The Thorn in 2005, we started attending New Life Church and have ever since then. The worship is very powerful and we have you to thank for that! I can tell you that services are never the same, there is always a different experience. New Life Church has brought us closer to God.
I wonder if you all ever sit down and think about the impact you have on people.
March 30th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Pastor Ross, Blog again soon. Great insight and thought-provoking topics.
Thanks!
March 30th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Great post! We have a similar burger chain here in Seattle called “Dick’s Drive-In.” I know that all Californians are cringing at my burger blasphemy, but Dick’s has tasty burgers, shakes and fresh cut fries, too. My sons savor the car ride down to Lake City just like you describe. I can’t wait to get to church on Sundays in that same way and I pray my boys will feel that way. I never thought to make the connection (for me or for my sons…). I’ll have to talk it over with them!
Thanks to you and New Life for sharing the inspiration that the LORD provides to you. Blessings to you from the Great White North.
May 5th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Looking forward to a new blog sometime soon! Keep ‘em coming.
June 1st, 2009 at 7:12 am
Hi Ross, I just returned from serving as a missionary in Korea for 3 years. (You prayed over me two times) This is a great song that the Korean kids like to sing. You probably get a lot of requests, but this is a good one (they probably all are). Have a great day
Still
Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust
June 14th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Pastor Ross,
I am new to all this blogging stuff and just discovered yours. Worship this am at New Life was awesome-including all of us declaring Isaiah 61. It is a privelidge to worship in the choir under your leadership and Brad’s direction. How heartfelt and fun even our rehearsals are. Praise You Lord for what you continue to do in Your church; that we as a body may fully embrace Your will with joy and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. I thank Him for giving all of you leaders such a tender sensitivity to Him.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
pastor ross! aww man! you were in SF??? i wish i would’ve known. i live by the SF area now. darn.
if you’re in the area again, let me know! i’ll treat you to your next in-n-out meal.